Classically Martin: Asia

It's been awhile since I posted any music here. So, I figured that I'd flash backwards and get current with one of my favorite acts... Asia. I've always been a big fan of their first two albums (Asia and Alpha). The band chemistry is obvious and evident. So, 25 years later, after many line-up changes that left keyboardist Geoff Downes the sole member, the original members have released Phoenix.

Below, I will place a video for a single from each album (one's you may not remember) leading up to "Never Again" from their new album. Enjoy.


Only Time Will Tell





The Smile Has Left Your Eyes





Never Again

Life Update 042508

Yes, 10 days is a little too long for me to go without a post. There have been a few things going on. Work on future projects. Work on current projects. And well... just overall confusion too.

First off, I need to say that I've very thankful for my two brothers-in-law. The weekend after we returned from the cruise, Kerry and I decided to move some of the good appliances from Casa de Hennessy West (soon to be called 'the rental') to Casa de Hennessy East. Greg (who is married to Kerry's twin sister Kelly) got roped into the deal and helped immensely as the washer, dryer and refrigerator were swapped between houses. The next weekend Cory (my sister's husband) gave up his Sunday night to help us move the bed, wine cabinet and a bunch of other things. (We were just happy to spend some time with him, Michelle and the kids.) So now all the major things are moved.

After moving the nice gas dryer and other appliances to Casa de Hennessy East, we discovered... no gas outlet in the condo. This meant that Kerry was taking our clothes to her mother's house (a few blocks over) to clean them while I did a little work. Her stepfather works for the gas company and teaches many of their employees how to install gas pipes. The thought of the task seemed overwhelming in scope but hours later he showed me a diagram and it clicked... solidly, as if I could do it in my sleep. The dryer is opposite the gas stove, so it meant changing an elbow joint to a T joint. Everything runs well (it's been checked for leaks) and, now, I just need to do a little wall repair.

All the moving isn't over yet. We now have a lot of duplicate products. The extras include: 3 televisions, 2 VCRs, 3 television stands, several phones and a bunch of kitchen products and other things. That means... garage sale on Sunday. Tomorrow night, we will head over there and sort through a bunch of things and set them aside for sale (with a planned post on Craigslist.com, placement of some signage and a visit to the Mann's to get some stuff out of their garage.) All that doesn't sell will probably go to charity or in a storage unit during the following Sunday with the planned move of a very heavy player piano that needs to go to Mom's. (If you scroll down aways, you'll that see she replied to one of the wedding posts.)

Saturday is the NFL draft. The fact that it's been moved back to noon PST does not help. I'll be busy recording the show. (I'll probably have it on mute and look over my shoulder every 7 minutes or so.) Of course, this happens to be possibly the most serious episode of the show we've attempted. We will be focusing on AIDS this week. A lot of people forget how tied the disease is to the 1980s. We will play a few songs from several artists that lost their battle with AIDS as well as talk to a fellow 80's music fan that is participating in AIDS Walk New York 2008. A donation will be made in 80sMusicCentral's name and we are hoping to get a few other people to stop by her donation page to sponsor her with what little they can. If you would just like to lend her your support, you could also stop in the show's chatroom at Talkshoe.com around noon PST or call in (they put the instructions up there.)

So much that I'd like post about right now but I also have so much to do. I just couldn't leave you out of the loop too much longer.

Rocking Cruise

Yup, we're back. So much that I can type about but sorely limited on time. Have a few projects that I need to get done (you'll hear about them soon) but wanted to quickly put a few fun photos up from the cruise. You see, I've always wanted to do some rock climing and they just so happened to have it on the boat. The photo above is of me. The last three are of Kerry. (She did amazingly well considering that she had those nails on from the wedding.) Not great quality pics as they came from my phone.

Gone, Gone, Gone

Yes, it's really early on a Monday and the newsletter is going out right now. Kerry and I are heading toward L.A. to catch our boat. (L.A., San Diego, Ensenada, Catalina and back.) I don't think anything has made her happier during the course of our days of wedding planning than repeating the phrase "I'm going on a cruise!" She has wanted to go on one for so long. Kind of weird though... they don't give you an address to where you are heading. Hard to enter in a route if MapQuest doesn't have a destination. We just put the city in instead. Just get us close. hahaha I don't get a chance to go on vacation often, so I'm making the most of it.

We will be moving a lot of things when we get back from the trip so this rest will be useful. We decided to trade the nice things in my house with some from her condo as we plan to rent out the house. Bed, big screen TV, washer, dryer and refrigerator... fun fun.

I better get going but wanted to get a post in before we leave. I'm just about to check for last-minute news before we sending out the newsletter. Have a great week! I know that we will.

Post-Wedding Post

It's been a busy few days and will continue to be that way until Monday. Yes, the wedding and reception are over but there are lots of little things to do that would sit on our minds during the honeymoon if we were there right now. I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for having friends like Teri, Lloyd and Josh Mann who made their home available to us for the reception. Also to Mr. Al Givens who cooked up a storm for the guests (I have some of it in the freezer... I'm drooling right now thinking about the potatoes.) Above all, I'd like to thank our friends and family that blessed our union and overwhelmed us with their enthusiasm.

For those that were unable to see the wedding, it can still be seen online for (until about the 30th) at http://webcasting.cashmanpro.com/mgm/ and typing 3/30/08 in the area under Choose A Wedding Date, click Find Weddings and click View Now. Came out pretty well. (Kerry's family took a video from the other angle that included more of my niece and nephew playing "Here Comes The Bride" which is barely heard at the beginning of this.) I also wanted to throw out a few photos to you from the wedding. My personal favorite is the top one with the other two a very close second and third. (Finally figured out that I need a new cable modem which kept cutting out when burdened with uploading the photos... more on that another time.) More may follow later... we'll see.

Your Official Invite

So, as promised, here is your official invite to virtually come to our wedding. The ceremony will be available to view on-line at approx. 3pm Pacific Time today and will be up for 30 days. Please follow these steps to view a wedding ceremony on-line.

All ceremonies will be broadcast Pacific Standard Time on our web cam providing the wedding couple has signed a web cam release. This will be verified prior to the start of the ceremony. If you are not viewing from home, but rather a place of business, please check your firewalls, which may prohibit you from viewing. You will need to have Windows Media Player on your computer. If you do not have this program, there is a free download available on our web site.

*Streaming or downloading a ceremony may take several minutes depending on whether you have a dial up connection or a cable modem. Log on to http://www.mgmgrand.com/ Click on Amenities located on the tool bar at the top of the screen. Select Wedding Chapel beneath the Forever Grand Wedding Chapel photograph, click on Services. Scroll down and click on the plus sign next to Webcam and click on the web cam link: webcasting.cashmanpro.com/mgm/ Once you have reached the Cashman Professional link, you are able to view Live and Past wedding ceremonies by following the applicable prompts.

You will be looking for Martin Hennessy/Kerry Squire (if you didn't know that, you will have to sit wayyyyyy in back.) I better start getting ready. I think that I have less than 2 hours before I need to be there. Oh, the photo? We took that at a BBQ with her family.

Stung By Buzz

There are a lot of things going on so I might be able to get one last post (possibly a re-post of how to view the wedding) before the actual event. But, I had to post this up here while it is fresh in my head. It has to do with the podcast and an act we featured on it.

It took several episodes before deciding that we needed some music in the show. The best way to do that would be to focus on a specific artist, analyze their sound, talk about their music and what they are doing now. On Feb. 23rd, we featured a French electronic act named Buzz. I had been exchanging email with their principal member Jean-Christophe van Thienen and been sent a copy of their new album, Minimal & electronique, which we reviewed and featured on the show.

Yesterday, as I started work on the weekly newsletter, I noticed an email from J-C entitled "RE: surprise demo" with an attachment. It talked about the technical details of a new song that he'd been working on and that he didn't want to ruin the 'surprise.' When I played it, I heard a familiar voice... mine. It's a very good upbeat track of which I can't wait to hear the final product. If anything, I am absolutely overwhelmed by the honor. I'd love to let you hear it but I don't have the right to do so yet. Hopefully when finished or released we can. Way too cool.

Time & The Countdown Clock

It's been really busy over here. I thought that I'd be able to write a little something here and there but it isn't working out that way. I think most of it deals with time issues. Most of you know that I schedule some things into eternity and others, I wait until the last minute to schedule. Well, it seems that there are a lot of scheduled items for one important upcoming event.

I did have a momentary lapse of reason a few days ago. I was trying to fit a chronological square peg in a round hole. I just hadn't considered that the round hole could give a little. I'm better now thanks to a few Manns. Now, I just need to wrap up some other projects.

Was (Not Was) - Boo!

Semi-dormant since 1992, Was (Not Was) have buried the dinosaur and returned with another avant-garde funk/soul release. The 10 tracks that make up Boo! have been in the works since 2000 (some rumored to have been songs held over since the 1980s.)

Boo! opens smartly with the ear-tickling of "Semi-Interesting Week" which sets the groove but teases the listener a variety of effects. The smooth Temptations/Four Tops feel of "It's A Miracle" is absolutely brilliant as it is purposely sabotaged with an unexpected f-bomb and topical swings. Definitely our favorite track on the disc. "Your Luck Won't Last" is an funky electronic dance number with some wild samples. The beautiful, lilting yet disturbing "From The Head To The Heart" made us search the credits for Neneh Cherry for vocal credit... it's not her though. Just when you think the tracks are set for experimental, pop, experimental, pop, etc. you get thrown a curve-ball in the form of the big horns and soul-infusion of "Big Black Hole." "Needletooth" harkens back to sonic terrorism of 1992's "Hello Dad... I'm In Jail." The groove of "Forget Everything" is far from forgettable and leads into the fun bluesy "Crazy Water" which is a possible single. The album wraps up with two guest-influenced tracks. "Mr. Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" is a very strong 70s-era funk tune that leaves you curious as to what parts were co-written with Bob Dylan. Closing the album is the outrageous psychedelic twist of the Kris Kristofferson-narrated "Green Pills In The Dresser."

Something can be said for beautiful, clean and predictable music. It presents itself as it is with little need nor room for interpretation in repeat consumption. That isn't bad but the often uncharted waters, the purposeful unraveling of expected threads, lend to a level of greater audio appreciation over time. The tapestry of Boo! is frayed, broken and missing threads under our microscope. This is a great thing. There's no reason to be afraid to purchase Boo! as it may be the best album of their career.

4 out of 5

Giving Back

I've always believed in direct giving. Meaning that there is a specific feeling of seeing the look on peoples faces as well as having the knowledge that your assistance is actually received. This has been a sticking point for me over the last decade after an issue with United Way. I'm not going to besmirch some of the good work they do here. I signed up long ago to have a specific amount deducted from my paycheck for Big Brothers Big Sisters. United Way said that I would get a notification from the charity that the funds got there. I have yet to receive that notice and still don't know where that money went.

Since then, I've been very picky about my donations. Blood and physical objects can actually go somewhere and get instant use by UBS or Goodwill. But, it was a discussion with Kerry that made me consider something else. She was talking with a friend that was helping out with another charity and noticed they were specificly lacking warm clothing for underprivelidged teen girls. We've been thinking about setting up our own project to help with this. It's early in development but I keep thinking that only then can I really control how I give. We will see.

Meanwhile, I did get a message from someone setting up an event in Las Vegas on Aug. 23rd dealing, oddly enough, with rock music. Rock Against Diabetes will be hosting a benefit concert and live free webcast to raise awareness and funds. I'll try to work something out to promote it during Talking 80s Music and an upcoming news snippet in the next newsletter. But, more than ever, it reminds me that other people are taking the reins to make a difference in various projects.

Technical Label Lunacy

There are tons of different types of labels. There are record labels (my line of research leaves me iffy about some of them.) There are clothing labels (which I find myself seeking out more often for country of production.) There are food labels (that tell me there are too many carbs in my favorite things.) There are even stereotypical labels (that I will not generalize here.) But most often the labels we look for most are the ones that actually name a product.

I'd like to focus on that last one for a moment. You see, my older but very useful second computer did something screwy. It was trying to do an iTunes update that failed because it couldn't find a specific file. I then decided to check if there were any other updates Windows XP should have for hardware. During the install of those (which included a wireless card update), I figured that I'd get ready for my next project and inserted my USB thumbdrive. Dumb idea. It'd been way too long since I've seen a crash here at the house. Anyhow, upon needing to reboot Windows XP said that so many changes have been made to my system over time that I needed to re-activate it within 3 days. Whaaa..? Think about it. How many changes have been made on your computer since you first bought it? It keeps track of these things? Well, of course this is their way to avoid piracy of the operating system and to urge those who have a 'less than legal' copy to purchase an 'upgrade.'

To do this, I was urged to connect to the Internet for activation. But it couldn't. It seems the driver to the card was now AWOL. I thought about this for a moment. I was going to need to search for the driver (could have the disc but I stored a lot of things to make the house look more presentable...which could have included the registration key for XP.) That when I started freaking out. (Which includes me pacing alot and saying, "Oh, shit. Oh, shit!", very fast.) Had to leave for work though. Came back to the project 8 hours calmer...8 hours more tired later. I removed the case and pulled out the network card. I knew that it was made by AirLink but there was no other label to designate the model. Googled everything on the card from the serial number on down to a weird series of numbers but to no avail. I went to the Web site and found that there were 4 or 5 different types that could match up. I even called their tech support, emailed them too. Freakin' labels. Anyhow, I tried one last search adding AirLink+ to the serial number. One page on there referred to a possible model number. All this done, it's up and running.

Then I had to re-activate. I was a little afraid because I still hadn't found my product key. Would it shut me out of my system? It didn't even wind up asking for it though. I was pretty impressed. Fearful, I didn't do it online. I wound up trying the phone option. This was a pain but it got me through and now I can update the Web site. (I use the very old school program Symantec Visual Page that, for some reason, also went AWOL when setting up the new computer. I can't seem to find a new version for purchase anywhere for Windows.)

Overall, I think a lot of this headache would have gone by if I didn't have to go searching for what model number that card was. I guess you pay a little more to get a card that knows what it is.

Loverboy - Just Getting Started

One decade after reuniting for their 1997 album VI, Loverboy return with Just Getting Started. It would be even longer for those North American fans that were waiting for the release (unless they went searching for it as an import) as the last new studio release would have been 1987's Wildside. So, for some fans, what does Loverboy bring to the table after so long.

To be truthful, the band has been a touring animal for the last two decades and if they haven't played within miles of your home, you live in an igloo and even I wouldn't want to visit. For you, this album starts off melting a few layers off your domicile with the frenetic title track. It's probably most applicable as throws out lyrics like "ain't over yet," "hot gettin' hotter," "I know you think it's over," "I got more of what it takes," "you know you want another taste" and "better go big or go home." From the get-go, you know that they know how important this album is. "Fade To Black" is a showcase song and stands out as an example of as how the band has merged their rock sound with ballads in the past while linking it to emotional phrasing. The song is possibly the best one on the album. The mix of tracks is pretty even with ripping guitars opening songs like "One Of Them Days," "Lost With You" and "As Good As It Gets" (note that power drum kit). The ballads are also pretty strong including the first single, "The One That Got Away," "Back For More," "Real Thing" and "Stranded" (which includes background vocals by Def Leppard's Phil Collen.)

I think when people remember Loverboy they imagine two different things. Men think "The Kid Is Hot Tonight"/"Turn Me Loose" and the women think "When It's Over"/"Heaven In Your Eyes." Essentially, most male fans pine for the band to return to their rock sounds while their ballads brought that 51% to their shows (and sold many albums.) I can say here that everyone can be pleased with Just Getting Started. The rock songs rock, the love songs emote and Loverboy have valiantly returned.

4 out of 5

BUZZ - Minimal & électronique

French electronic act BUZZ have returned with their follow-up to 2007's Les Musiques Nouvelles. Minimal & électronique is the 19-track self-produced and self-distributed answer to the growing question: "What will artists do without record labels?" It can be ordered at their official MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/buzzbiz by sending them a message there. But can an independent album make an impact on the ear?

No waiting for a special edition re-issue, this album includes everything with original tracks, remixes and experiments leading you towards the title track. Ever notice how most times an album leads with the title track instead of taking you on a journey towards it? This disc does just that. The title is an obvious reference to the Veronica Vasicka hosted East Village Radio series Minimal-Electronik Plus (a podcast series featuring electronic artists of the mid-80s.) The track features the host and a second track included on the disc is titled "East Village Radio." Both are featured in several different mixes on the album including the ambient yet jazzy "East Village Radio (Dirty Sweet Project remix.)" But I believe the whole album leads you to the finale. There are several stand-out tracks here that don't get the remix treatment and are possibly better for it. "Petite Poupée Japonaise" has an upbeat piano line that leads one happily through the etheric vocals and darker undertones. "Je Suis Avec Toi" lures you in with a strong bass synth line and drum machine combo as the vocals (literally meaning "I am with you") mesmerize. "Parce que je n'ai pas d'âme" is possibly the most emotive vocal performance on the disc paired with syrupy keyboard hook amidst spacy textures. Also notable are the very sensual "Viel Zu Modern!," energetic "Belles Comme des Bouddhas," "Sérénade Pour Un Renégat" (which features Renegade Soundwave's Gary Asquith) and "God Bless America" (which contains samples of President George W. Bush's post-9/11 State of the Union speech.) I can't say there are any problems with the remixes. The choice of remixers is strong and the mixes are spread throughout the disc as to avoid repetition or overkill. I remain impressed with the near gothic entanglements of "Orange M. (Néolymb remix)" while vocally Jean-Christophe seemingly channels a French Falco.

I've been impressed with many albums that have had touches of French vocals (from Camouflage's Methods Of Silence to Enigma's MCMXC AD) but I can't say that I've wanted to search the terms so readily until now. The mood set by the tones of the music and lyrical evocation express enough to by-pass any language as it speaks tomes to the ears. There are few that will not appreciate Minimal & électronique at least on some level but fans of electronic music, independent music and strong production will rejoice.

3.5 out of 5

Unexpected 3-Day Break

It was a normal Sunday morning. I weighed myself (because this is normally my cheat day and I get to see where the results of the week got me.) It was pretty odd because I decided to weigh myself the day before also and came in at 199, so Kerry predicted 198. 196.5 popped up instead. So, almost 30 lbs. lighter.

But something had been bugging me all week. A gurgling/bubbling sound when I took a deep breath. (Of course, my answer to that was not to do that.) I left work early last night and went in to see the doctor today. Yes, like many others, I'm down with bronchitis. (Some doctors are believing that that is the form the latest flu is coming in and is being diagnosed the same.) The urge to go finally get looked at came when I thought, "If it is what I think it is and it progresses to pneumonia, Kerry is going to kill me for ruining the wedding."

Anyhow, I'm off for a few days in recovery. In the non-sleep moments, I will take the time to do a few CD reviews for the Web site and maybe finish Stephen Hawking's A Brief History Of Time. And since I'll be doing some of the recuperation at Kerry's house (which has a less fussy computer), I may be able to post some blog comments that I feel very bad about not being able to do previously. Anyhow, I hope all is going well and that you and yours stay healthy.

Classically Martin: Ultravox: Vienna

It was 1980. Go figure. Possibly the best time to make a vocalist change for an electronic band. Ultravox had just lost singer John Foxx to the ever-luring 'solo career.' Instead of going for another frontman with stylings in the glam-rock area, they went for the melodic aristocracy of Midge Ure (of the Rich Kids.) Their album, Vienna, would be a test that many bands had and would in the future take in trying to soothe the fears of their fanbase and claim new musical landscape. The first single, "Sleepwalk," was released with little fanfare (#29). The second single, "Passing Strangers," didn't make a blip on the radar. It could have been heartbreaking. The band released the title track as the third single... and it went to #1 on the U.K. charts (even getting some notice in the U.S.) The previous singles would get noticed again and become part of the classic album that also included the song "All Stood Still." So, for your entertainment, a few videos from the album.


Vienna



Passing Strangers



Sleepwalk



All Stood Still





To be noted, the band would keep performing (including a performance of "Vienna" at Live Aid in London) and Ure would co-write "Do They Know It's Christmas" for Band-Aid. He would follow Foxx's lead a few years later. The band's replacement didn't meet with the same success.

Life Update: 022008

Time for a quick post before heading off to work. So, you get another one of these.

• I've been doing pretty good so far on the diet. I'm down 25 lbs., 4 belt loops (well, I'm down to about a 36 on my pants) and am curious about how long I want to keep going. I figure that another month isn't a bad thing and that way... I can really enjoy the food at the reception.

• The day after the Super Bowl, I wound up meeting Patriots wide receiver Dante Stallworth. Poor guy. A few of the co-workers were shouting 19-0 which had to hurt. I talked with him for a bit and told him two things. I told him that he's helped me win several match-ups over the last few years in fantasy football. I also mentioned to him that with the coach he has, they'll be going back to the big game shortly. I feel even worse knowing that he's expected to be released from the team on Monday (he's due $8 million in bonuses if he stays.)

• A boss of mine is in the hospital's ICU. Been stopping in and checking on him. Nice guy but his health isn't that great (even before this stint in the hospital.) I told him that this was a lousy way of trying to get out of going to the wedding. He grinned and weakly said, "I'll be there."

I've gotta get to work, running late. Hope you had a great President's Day.

The Cut Off

With all the planning that goes into a wedding, you'd think that the most stressful thing would be last-minute preparations, right? Kerry has done an amazing job of managing everything and when information overload occurs, I tell her to stop breathe and we'll sleep on it. It usually works. Yet, what we are finding is that something that should be simpler and resolved keeps coming back to bite us... the cut off for the guest list.


Neither of us want a huge ceremony. So we started with our immediate family and added friends that we see the most (which includes some co-workers as we spend 1/3 of our lives with them.) We drew the line at some of the family that we barely ever see. This was difficult. Sure, most of them live quite a distance from Las Vegas. She has cousins and family on her side that she hasn't seen in decades (as well as some she's never met.) I would love to have some more of my family in Sacramento (heck, some check out the blog) come out for it but know that rearranging their schedules and driving/flying out for one day for a 15 minute ceremony and late lunch doesn't balance out. And again there is the cut off as we are already at capacity seating for the ceremony. Kerry has already fielded calls (and she thinks offended) a member of her family as they had announced the wedding to some of their family neither of us know and proposed a family reunion to occur at the same time. This created a few waves. Both of us would rather just run off and elope than deal with that kind of stress. But, rationally, the end of the line has to be drawn somewhere and we've paid too much to walk away now.


So, that now off my chest, I can express to you the good news. There is a way to view it from your computer. So, I'm giving you an official invite to virtually come to my wedding. I'll be reposting it on Mar. 30th.


Ceremony will be available to view on line at approx. 3pm Pacific Time on March 30th and will be up for 30 days.


Please follow these steps to view a wedding ceremony on line. All ceremonies will be broadcast Pacific Standard Time on our web cam providing the wedding couple has signed a web cam release. This will be verified prior to the start of the ceremony. If you are not viewing from home, but rather a place of business, please check your firewalls, which may prohibit you from viewing.


You will need to have Windows Media Player on your computer. If you do not have this program, there is a free download available on our web site.


*Streaming or downloading a ceremony may take several minutes depending on whether you have a dial up connection or a cable modem.


Log on to http://www.mgmgrand.com/
Click on Amenities located on the tool bar at the top of the screen.
Select Wedding Chapel
Beneath the Forever Grand Wedding Chapel photograph, click on Services
Scroll down and click on the plus sign next to Webcam
Click on the web cam link: webcasting.cashmanpro.com/mgm/
Once you have reached the Cashman Professional link, you are able to view Live and Past wedding ceremonies by following the applicable prompts.

Passing Thoughts On Cutts Testimony

Usually, I don't post anything on a Monday. (I'm usually focused on getting the music news done for the newsletter.) But I do listen to the news as I type away. This way, I can catch any breaking news to follow on. So, why the picture of Bobby Cutts, Jr.? For some reason, I can't get it out of my head that... Will Smith should play him in the TV movie. Weird thing to think of while the testimony is going on. Can't shake it loose.

Classically Martin: Thompson Twins: Close To The Bone

Usually I would just focus one of these posts on an artist. This time, I wanted to get more album focus here. Close To The Bone would be the first album by the Thompson Twins as a duo (Joe Leeway had left the band.) It really is an under-rated album with some great tracks. You may recognize one song here, "Get That Love," which got some airplay. I have a vivid memory of my purchase of this cassette as it was a clearance item at Woolworths (we used to have one and I think they closed shortly after.) I played it to death... and think it's in my cassette collection still. So for your entertainment, a few videos from Close To The Bone.


Get That Love



Long Goodbye



One can rightly question why the album (which also includes some great tracks like "Follow Your Heart," "Twentieth Century," "Perfect Day" and "Savage Moon") didn't fare as well when released in 1987. I would say that it was an early failure by record labels relying on the name alone to sell an album and using their money to promote other artists. Of course, we can see where that has led the industry. I digress as it is well worth mentioning that the album was produced by Rupert Hine and included work by the Fixx's guitarist Jamie West-Oram.

Technical Stumblings

I think some of the technical goodies that Blogger has are sometimes fraught with issues. My one problem currently is that I can't see the visual squiggly code needed to give a reply. I'm not saying that I am visually impaired but it isn't coming up (leaves me with a little red X). Refreshing doesn't fix it. I attempted to even try clicking the part that has the handicapped symbol -- which I guess gives you an audio representation of what the letters are supposed to be. Anyhow, no go. Yes, it's happening mostly on Lora's blog but I'm sure that it'll spread.


Another technical issue that I'm dealing with is recording software. There is a great little program out there called Voice Emotion. It allows me to add sound effects and audio tracks (kind of like a little mixing studio) for Talking 80s Music. Of course, I paid for the program to give me all the other options which include live recording. Usually, this gives me the cleanest/clearest version of the show which I can edit down right after the show. It stopped recording at the end of the year. I've worked around it but the audio quality has slipped slightly on the show because of it. So, I thought I'd contact their technical support. They have a voicemail -- I left about two messages (several days apart.) I posted the issue in their support forum -- I was told a month ago that they would forward the question to a developer and to be patient. As you can tell, my optimism is fading there. Might have to figure out another recording option as I may be scheduling new interviews for the year. It makes my head hurt.

Update: Sometimes it's nice to get things out of your head and in linear form. It made me go pick up a program called Pamela Call Recorder. The recording of the show was simple and easy and it played most of my intro and segment music. Above all... better quality than Voice Emotion.